Ventilation device

ABSTRACT

A ventilator with integrated breathing air humidifier has at least two defined air pathways provided in the breathing air humidifier. The breathing air humidifier is installed and fixed on a horizontal surface of the ventilator. The breathing air humidifier comprises at least a top part and a bottom part, a water reservoir being provided in the bottom part, wherein the top part cannot be removed from the bottom part when the unit is in at least one operating mode. The ventilator may have an air humidifier with at least one water reservoir, and at least one filling device for the water reservoir in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the filing device can be operated with one hand and/or opened with one hand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/166,322, filed Jan. 28, 2014, which is adivisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/028,969,filed Feb. 16, 2011, which is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/496,062, filed Jul. 29, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No.7,909,032, which claims priority of German patent application 10 2005036 611.2, filed Aug. 1, 2005, and German patent application 10 2006 014751.0, filed Mar. 28, 2006. The entire disclosures of these applicationsare incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a ventilation device which eitherprovides a patient with partial breathing assistance or does all thebreathing for the patient.

2. Description of the Related Art

These units for supplying breathing gas are usually based on a certainair flow concept, which influences the breathing gas and changes theinfluence of the breathing gas on the device in the desired manner.

In many cases, a blower motor serves as the gas source. This makes thedevice independent of other, stationary gas sources. The ambient air isdrawn through a filter, arrives in the blower housing, and, forpreparation with oxygen and/or moisture, is administered to the patient.In the devices according to the state of the art, furthermore, a clumsyand unattractive method is used to connect the humidifier to the basicunit. This also increases the size of the unit unnecessarily. Thefilling of the humidifiers also has a direct influence on the geometriesand air supply properties of the device.

In many cases, the most effective way of influencing the amount of soundand noise produced is to isolate the blower from the rest of the device.In most devices, this idea is realized in a cumbersome, complicated, andinadequate manner.

The design embodiments and variants explained in detail below can beused alternatively or supplementally with respect to each other. Inparticular, each individual inventive idea can be realized independentlyof each of the other inventive ideas.

A combined realization, however, leads to additional advantages, whichhave positive effects on the construction, size, ease of use, safety,and noise generation of the unit and thus positive effects on the entiresystem.

To supplement the following explanations, various additionalexplanations will be found directly in the drawings. The disclosurecontent of the present patent application comprises, in particular, boththe written explanations of the drawings and also the design variantsillustrated in the drawings but not explained in the following text.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The task of the invention is to provide a device which is suitable forCPAP, bi-level, APAP, titration, home, emergency, and hospitalventilation by either invasive or noninvasive means.

The air present in the atmosphere is drawn in by a blower integratedinto the unit. The air thus passes through at, least one filter, which.separates the particles present in the air.

The air then arrives in a semi-enclosed sound-damping box, which islocated inside a device for supplying breathing gas and which has ahigh-pressure area and low-pressure area.

Another embodiment provides a structure consisting of at least twomodules. If central modules are present, the outer modules are fastenedto them by screws and thus clamp them in position. This design can berealized by means of latching elements and/or screws, which pass throughall of the modules.

Damping materials between the modules can be easily clamped and held inplace by tongue-and-groove profiles.

Because at least one area and/or one side of the box is open, air couldfreely escape from the box through this opening. This is prevented by asimple seal of foam material. The foam fulfills the functions of sealingthe sound-damping box, of damping the sound, and also of at leastpartially supporting the sound-damping box. The sealing action can beachieved simply the application of pressure, by clamping, by adhesivebonding, and/or by screwing the box onto the foam. A seal is preferablyprovided both in the low-pressure area and in the high-pressure area ofthe sound-damping box.

The sound-damping box is thus characterized by simpler and lower-costconstruction.

An opening is also provided in the box for the cable coming from ablower. The box is preferably formed by the cooperation between twomodules.

The air flow can proceed between or in these modules and thereforeproceeds in at least two planes, preferably three planes: the intake orlow-pressure plane, the blower plane, and the discharge or high-pressureplane.

The functions are thus divided vertically into the individual planes. A“plane” is defined here as a long, flat, elongated space.

The air flow planes can be connected to each other bychannels/structures. The channels/structures are preferably essentiallyperpendicular to the planes and can project far into the next plane orinto at least one plane which bridges the next plane.

The air flow path is also intentionally laid out so that the directionof air flow is diverted at least twice by 80°±10°, once from vertical tohorizontal and once from horizontal to vertical. This diversion of theair helps considerably to minimize the production of noise.

In an especially preferred embodiment, this effect is linked withanother possibility of sound damping and/or is integrated into thesound-damping box. First, the previously mentioned diversions,preferably of 90° or 180°, of which there should be as many as possible,are used to deflect the air onto baffle plates, which thus at leastpartially absorb the sound; second, as many alternations as possiblebetween cross-sectional constrictions and cross-sectional expansions inthe form of channels, openings, and/or exit areas between openings andbaffle plates are used.

In an especially preferred embodiment, this baffle plate can also beprovided with a special sound-damping surface and/or lined with variousmaterials.

Second, as many alternations as possible between cross-sectionalconstrictions and cross-sectional expansions in the form of channels,openings, and/or exit. areas between openings and baffle plates areintegrated into the sound box.

To achieve a further reduction in the amount of sound produced, analternation between air-conducting and sound-damping areas is provided.The air-conducting and sound-damping areas are defined by openings,which result from the geometries of other components of thesound-damping box: screw channels, the blower, the external boundariesof the box, the blower mounting, the intake connectors, the intakefilter, the discharge opening, etc.

Because the existing geometries of integral components of thesound-damping box are used to form the air flow guides and sound-dampingareas, the volume can be kept relatively small.

For example, when screw channels are provided inside the planes, the airflow is adapted aerodynamically in such a way that the number of flowseparations, which can lead to noise, is reduced to a minimum.

In a preferred embodiment, the blower is located as close to the centerof the sound damping box as possible. This offers optimum conditionsover the widest possible area for influencing the sound produced by theblower and of damping it with respect to the outside.

In a preferred embodiment, the blower and the blower mounting arelocated within a central plane, the blower preferably being suspendedfrom above. This plane is itself surrounded by sound-damping material.In addition to the preferred method of suspending the blower from aboveby means of elastomeric material, however, is also possible to supportit from underneath and/or from above with the help of springs,elastomeric material, and/or foam to ensure that the blower iseffectively isolated from the box.

In addition to its suspension, the blower has another connection to thesound box in the form of as least one hose. This connection, however, isselected with respect to form and material so that. the blower isisolated from the sound-damping box.

The preferred. method of mounting the blower to suspend it by means ofelastomeric hangers in such a way that it has freedom of movement inthree dimensions.

Thus, with the concept presented here, the blower thus isolated from theequipment housing in at least one way and preferably in two: Thesound-damping box is isolated by being mounted on foam and sealingmaterial and also by the use of an elastomeric hose to conduct the airfrom the sound-damping box to a component permanently connected to thehousing.

In addition to or in place of the measures described above, the blowercan be isolated from the sound-damping box by means of the mountingmethods cited above and by means of at least one elastomeric tube forconducting the air. Together with the elastomeric hangers, of which atleast two are provided, this tube then serves not only to isolate thesound but also to support the blower.

The elastomeric tubes are connected to their mating parts by folding inthe ends and pushing them over the mating profiles of the other parts towhich they are to be joined.

The box can be fabricated of any desired material, preferably of plasticor metal.

The elastomers used to support/suspend the blower should haveviscoelastic properties and thus have energy-absorbing properties inaddition to their elastic properties. This makes a key contribution tothe reduction of the transmission of sounds and vibrations. Aspreviously explained, the blower can be supported from underneath orpreferably from above.

Through proper selection of the material and design of the suspensionand support elements, the blower can be installed quickly and. easily inthe sound-damping box.

Installation is made possible by the integration of a guide element anda shoulder/undercut on each of the hangers. During the installationprocess, the tip of the hanger makes it easy to guide it through asuitable bore; the blower then engages with the undercut and can bedetached only by partially destroying the mounting.

At the same time, the hangers seal the bores and thus also seal off thetwo adjacent planes from each other. A suspended mounting also offersthe advantage that considerable relative movement is possible.

These movements are limited to the desired extent by additionalelements, at least some of which are attached to the base of the hangersand around them. These deflection limiters prevent, for example, theblower from contacting the walls of individual modules of thesound-damping box.

As previously explained, a preferred support can consist of at least oneelastomeric mounting element and at least one tubular air channel ortubular isolating hose, which can also consist of elastomeric materialor of rubber-like material.

The selection of the design and material of the mounting elementslargely determines the quality of the sound isolation.

After the air has entered the unit through the intake and after thesound has been reduced by the sound-damping box, the air arrives in thestationary housing shell part of the unit.

To guarantee that the patient is provided with gas under the bestpossible conditions in terms of respiratory physiology during thetreatment, it can be helpful to use a humidifier. When desired, thisunit can be connected to the previously described components, preferablydownstream from them.

To ensure that the humidifier is positioned precisely and that it isintegrated optimally into the base unit, the three possible directionsin which the humidifier can move are limited by various elements of thebase unit.

The first dimension is limited by the facing contact planes, namely, thebottom plane of the humidifier and an upward-facing, also horizontalplane of the base unit.

The second dimension is limited by the presence of at least one roundelement, preferably two round elements, both of which can be componentsof the humidifier or of the base unit. To prevent the humidifier fromtipping as it is being inserted into the base unit, the humidifier isprovided with guide rails.

In a preferred embodiment, the round elements consist of a tubularconnecting piece of the air flow guide system, an air inlet, and aself-limiting heating rod, designed to produce an electrical connection,which projects into the bottom part of the humidifier, is immersed inwater, and is responsible for heating the water in the filledhumidifier.

The isolating element between the sound-damping box and the base unitserves simultaneously as sealing material for the connection between theair intake and the humidifier. The humidifier has at least one centeringelement, preferably designed as a rail, to prevent it from tipping asthe cover cap is being introduced into the base unit. The base unit hasguide slots.

The third dimension is limited by the insertion of a connecting elementthrough the base unit and through the humidifier. The connecting elementconnects the air flow to the humidifier at one end and to the patienthose at the other end. The air pathways thus created are not parallel.In particular, the inlet to the humidifier and the outlet from it arearranged at an angle of preferably 80°±10° to each other.

To maintain a high level of moisture in the air, various air flowpathways are conceivable. The air is conducted through the unit to thebottom part of the humidifier, from which it rises vertically upwardthrough an air-carrying profile. It then mixes as desired with thehighly humidified air of the humidifier and carries a portion of thehumidity back into an additional profile, which guides the airvertically downward. The humid air then passes through the connectingelement and thus finally reaches the breathing hose and the patient.

The air flow guide profiles can consist of two separate, adjacent pipes(FIG. 10) or of two concentric pipes (FIG. 11) with a central air inlettube. A nozzle insert is installed on this air inlet tube to guaranteeoptimal, uniform distribution and uptake of the humidity by the flow ofair.

In an especially preferred embodiment, the air enters and leaves througha centrally installed pipe with an implemented wall to separate theinlet from the outlet.

The air introduced into the humidifier first strikes a baffle plate. Inconjunction with a separating plane and a mushroom-shaped hood, the airis thus diverted directly onto the surface of the water to ensure thatthe air absorbs a large amount of moisture.

These elements are seated in the upper part of the humidifier. Theseparating plane prevents a short-circuit from forming between theincoming and outgoing air, which would prevent the air from becominghumidified.

The incoming and outgoing air profiles should be as close to the centeras possible to prevent any possible intrusion of water into theopenings, especially into the opening of the incoming air channel. Inaddition, the tilt and height of the opening has an effect on thelikelihood. that water will be able to enter the openings, especiallywhen the unit is resting at an angle, which would thus affect therebound behavior of the air flow.

In conjunction with the separating plane of the upper part and the airflow guide profiles of the humidifier, it is also advisable to providemeasures to prevent the top part from being twisted on the bottom part.

In addition to the previously described elements, the top part of thehumidifier has additional inventive elements, which improve the air flowguidance, safety, and ease of use of the unit for supplying breathinggas.

It is advantageous that the mushroom-shaped hood over the air flow guideopenings prevents the intrusion of water into the unit when thehumidifier is being filled.

The mushroom-shaped hood or collar is arranged so that it is concentricwith respect to the inlet/outlet tube in the top part to prevent spraywater from entering the tubes, especially from entering the inlet. Thecollar of the outlet is not as tall, so that, when the unit is restingat an angle and the humidifier tank is full, the positive pressure builtup in the unit cannot cause water to enter the air outlet and pass viathe air discharge line into the hose. In addition, the collar guides theair directly onto the surface of the water.

On the side which guides the air inward, the mushroom-shaped hood isprovided with a larger collar than it is on the side which. guides theair outward, both to prevent water from entering the unit and to preventwater from escaping when the unit is resting at an angle.

The humidifying space is sealed off by the top part and a seal. In apreferred embodiment, the seal is designed as an O-ring. In this case,the standard radial sealing method is not used; instead, an axial sealis used with the help of a circumferential shoulder on the top part(shoulder on the inside) and another shoulder on the bottom part(shoulder on the outside). The top part is dimensioned so than it iseasy for the user to upend it over the bottom part. The seating elementis therefore not squeezed in the radial direction but rather remains onthe actual axial sealing surface. The ring-shaped sealing element actsas an assembly aid for the user and prevents the sealing element frombeing pushed out of its radial position.

When the humidifier is detached from the unit, it is kept closed by abayonet joint. When the humidifier is mounted on the unit, the top partof the humidifier cannot be untwisted from the humidifier nor twistedonto the humidifier. This is provided according to the invention tominimize the likelihood that water could enter the unit during theprocess of filling the humidifier. Such entry could occur by mistakenlypouring water into the profiles while the bottom part of the humidifieris open. This safety measure to prevent the top part of the housing frombeing taken off is realized by a positive connection with theventilator.

So that the humidifier can be filled while it is installed on the unit,a stopper is provided on the top part. According to the invention, thiscan be operated. with only one hand, which significantly improves theease of use in comparison with previous types of closure. This isachieved through the use of a pretensioned element, which, when operated(opened), automatically allows the stopper to flip into the fully openposition.

The opened state of the stopper is free of tension; in the closed state;the stopper is under tension. For this purpose, slight pressure isexerted on the lever-like stopper to overcome both the pretensioningforce and the sealing force.

In some groups of patients, namely, those who do not complain of drynessof the mouth or of the airways, the use of a humidifier can be omitted.So that the unit can be opened and used even without the humidifier, adummy humidifier is used, which is inserted into the base unit in thesame way as described above.

If a dummy humidifier is used, the heating rod is not necessary and isreplaced by a blind connection, which closes off the opening in the unitand protects the electrical contacts for the heating rod fromenvironmental influences.

The connectors for connecting to the air outlet and the heating rod ofthe base unit are also designed as parallel connections. The firstdimension is again limited by the facing horizontal lanes, i.e., thebottom of the dummy humidifier and the upward-facing, horizontal surfaceof the base unit.

The second dimension is inhibited by the connection of least one,preferably two round. elements to the base unit. The third dimension isinhibited by the introduction of a connecting element through the basicunit into the dummy humidifier.

The stopper also serves to reduce the mask sound, because the stopperhas a relatively large space for expansion, in which, in a preferred.embodiment, additional cross-sectional constrictions and. expansions andsound-damping materials can be installed.

To reduce the mask sound. even more, the size of the stopper can beincreased and provided with several such elements. The stopper has atleast one centering element, preferably designed as a rail, to preventthe cap from tipping as it is being introduced into the base unit. Thebase unit has guide slots.

The isolating element has an additional function, namely, that of a sealwith a sealing bead for the air intake of the humidifier or dummyhumidifier.

Until now it has not been possible to detach the hose quickly from theunit with only one hand. By means of the connecting element mentionedabove, however, a standard ventilator hose can be attached to the uniteasily, quickly, and with only one hand.

This element has a Bernoulli compensator. With the help of aconstriction, this element simulates the behavior of the breathing hose,especially the resistance of the breathing hose, so that, after thepressure has become reduced in the constriction, it is equivalent to thepressure at the mask of the patient. This eliminates the need for apressure-measuring hose leading to the patient.

The pressure present in the constriction of the connecting element isconducted through an opening in the connecting element, preferably aslot, and via a pressure-measuring connecting piece leading to apressure sensor positioned in the unit.

The pressure-measuring channel is located in the same place regardlessof which of the two different elements (humidifier or dummy humidifier)is present. The two elements do not have any relevant effect on themeasurement, because the measuring site is located as far away aspossible from them, at the outlet of the unit. The geometries present inthe area of the connecting element are identical.

The connecting element has at least one seal, preferably two O-rings,which, with respect to the flow of gas, are upstream and downstream ofthe pressure opening. One seals off the unit from the outside and theother seals off the pressure measurement connecting piece from theinterior of the unit, because pressure gradients near the Bernoullielement can short-circuit the air flows and thus interfere with thepossibility of a correct measurement.

The opening which produces the connection between the pressure space inthe area of the constriction and the pressure sensor in the unit ispreferably at the top, because otherwise condensate would probablyaccumulate in the circumferential groove and could affect the pressuremeasurement.

In another preferred embodiment of the connecting element, an anti-twistdevice which cooperates with the base unit is attached to the element.The anti-twist device makes it easy to join the element to the matingcomponent and is preferably designed as a triangle. The tip pointing inthe joining direction serves simultaneously as a centering/positioningelement for the connecting element.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, itsoperating advantages, specific objects attained by its use, referenceshould be bad to the drawing and descriptive matter in which there areillustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ventilation device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ventilation device of FIG. 1 shownwith a cover in place of a breathing air humidifier;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ventilation device showing thereceptical for the breathing air humidifier;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the breathing air humidifier;

FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom view of the breathing air humidifier;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connecting element for connection toan opening of the humidifier;

FIG. 7 is sectual view of the connecting element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom view of the bottom part of thehumidifier;

FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of the humidifier;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the humidifier;

FIG. 11 is a partially broken view of the humidifier of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a partial of a stopper the ventilation device;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the stopper with a hinch;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an arrangement of a semi-enclosedsound-damping box in the ventilation device;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 14;

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are perspective views of the sound-damping box ofthe device;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are additional views of the device;

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the sound damping box;

FIG. 22 is a perspective, partially broken view of the device with anisolating element embedded in the sound-damping box;

FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of the ventilator with thesemi-enclosed sound-damping box mounted in the ventilator enclosed by andamping/support/sealing material;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the sound-damping box with amating profile for an isolating element;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the sound-damping box with modules forsuspending the blower;

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of another breathing air humidifier;

FIG. 27 is a perspective rear view of the device with an air intakecover cap;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a blower hanger;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a detail of the interior space of thedevice;

FIGS. 30 and 31 are perspective views of the sound-damping box of thedevice;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the basic design of a ventilation device. In the equipmenthousing (1) with the control panel (2) and display (3), a breathing gaspump is installed in the interior of the unit. A connecting hose (5) isconnected to the ventilator by means of a connecting element (4). Theconnecting element (40) can be connected to the ventilator devicequickly and easily. An additional pressure-measuring hose (not shown),which can be connected to the equipment housing (1) by means of apressure inlet connector (not shown), can extend along the connectinghose (5). The equipment housing (1) has an interface (8) to allow thetransmission of data. At the end the connecting hose (5) facing awayfrom the equipment housing (1), an exhalation element (not shown) isprovided.

To prevent the patient's airways from drying out, it is has been foundadvisable to humidify the breathing air, especially during long phasesof ventilation. These humidifications of the breathing air can also berealized in other applications. To humidify the air, adaptable breathingair humidifiers (9) are usually used, which are installed in the airpathway between the ventilator and the patient. The breathing airhumidifier consists of a top part (11) and a bottom part (12). Thebreathing air humidifier has at least one water filling port, which isin the area of the top part (11).

In addition, an oxygen feed valve can be adapted to supply the user withan increased amount of oxygen along with the breathing gas.

At the end facing away from the ventilator, the connecting hose can beconnected to a patient interface, which can be designed as a nasal mask.A hood can be used to hold the mask in position on the patient's head.On the side facing the connecting hose, the breathing mask has aconnector piece.

The top part (11) has a curved edge, which can be seen especiallyclearly in FIG. 5, the curvature of which conforms to the curved contourof the top surface of the equipment housing (1). After the breathing airhumidifier has been mounted on the equipment housing (1), the top part(11) can therefore not he twisted off the bottom part (12). Thisprevents the breathing air humidifier from being filled improperly.

In the area of the receptacle for the breathing air humidifier (9), itis possible as an alternative, as shown in FIG. 2, to install a cover(14) in place of the breathing air humidifier (9). This cover engagespositively with the top and side areas of the base unit, merging withthe external contours of the unit and thus forming a closed surface.

The cover (14) serves not only an air guidance function but also apneumatic function. Because air is conducted through the interior of thecover (14), a sound-damping function is achieved. When installed, thebreathing air humidifier also helps to reduce the noise level.

The receptacle (15) for the breathing air humidifier, as shown in FIG.3, is essentially parallel to a support surface of the unit. Thebreathing air humidifier (15) is inserted essentially sideways ontoand/or into the unit. Installation is facilitated by the two guide aids(55, 56); these center the breathing air humidifier during the insertionprocess, so that the air outlets of the unit (17) and the power supply(18) match up with the humidifier.

By giving the receptacle for the breathing air humidifier a roundedform, which is not, however, symmetrical, and by providing the breathingair humidifier with a complementary shape, the direction and/orarrangement of the breathing air humidifier in the unit is defined. Thebreathing air humidifier is inserted with an exact fit into thereceptacle provided specifically for the breathing air humidifier. As aresult, a high degree of functional integration is achieved. Faultyinstallation is thus prevented. The breathing air humidifier cannot betwisted out of place in the unit.

The air outlet (17) from the unit and the power supply (18) for thebreathing air humidifier are located in the receptacle (15) for thebreathing air humidifier. A pressure-measuring connector (19) can alsobe seen. In the forward area of the unit, there is an opening (16),which. serves to accept the connecting element (4).

Because of the way in which the pressure-measuring connector (19) isarranged, the pressure is therefore measured in the unit, but downstream(in the direction of air flow) of the humidifier. Any pressure losses inthe area of the humidifier will therefore not affect the pressuremeasurement.

In the bottom part (12) of the breathing air humidifier, as shown inFIG. 4, the air inlet (21) and a plug contact (20) for the power supplyof the breathing air humidifier are arranged essentially parallel toeach other. The air outlet (22) of the breathing air humidifier islocated not opposite the air inlet (21) in a straight line but rather atan angle of essentially 90° to the air inlet. In at least oneoperational state, the air inlet (21), the plug contact (20) for thepower supply of the breathing air humidifier, and the air outlet (22) ofthe breathing air humidifier are located essentially underneath thewater reservoir. A connector piece (19.1), which connects to thepressure-measuring connector (19), is located on one side of the airoutlet (22).

FIG. 5 shows a view of the breathing air humidifier from below; thehumidifier has been tilted slightly backward. The base of the humidifieris essentially rounded and provided with at least one corner (23). Thecorner prevents the humidifier from being twisted out of place on theunit, in that the base of the humidifier mates with the receptacle forthe humidifier on the unit. A connector piece (19.1), which connects tothe pressure-measuring connector (19), is located on one side of the airoutlet (22).

The humidifier is held in place on the unit by means of plug-and-socketconnections. That is, the air inlet (21) of the breathing air humidifierplugs into the air outlet (18) of the unit, and the power supply (20) ofthe breathing air humidifier plugs into the power supply (17) in theunit.

The humidifier can be adapted to the unit and made ready to operate intwo steps. The humidifier is first guided horizontally onto the supportsurface of the unit, where the mating areas of the humidifier and of theunit define the proper joining direction. At least partial engagementbetween the mating areas, i.e., between the air inlet (21) and the powersupply (20) of the breathing air humdifier with the air outlet (17) andthe power supply (18) of the unit, holds the humidifier in position.Second, the humidifier is held and locked in its final position by theinsertion and/or placement of the connecting element (4) into theopening (16) in the unit.

Two guide aids (57, 58) are also provided on the humidifier to ensureeasy and secure installation. These guides engage with the two guideaides on the unit (55, 56).

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the connecting element (4). The connecting element(4) has an area near the unit (25) by which it is connected to the unitby way of the opening (16). At the opposite end, the element has a hosearea (24), by which it is connected to the hose (5). By the applicationof pressure to the operating part (29) of the operating element (13),the functional part (30) of the operating element is moved. As a result,the connecting element (4) can be easily, quickly, and securelyconnected to the ventilator. In the area between the unit area (25) andthe hose area (24), there is at least one seal (28), which can. bedesigned as an O-ring or as a lip seal. In the connecting element, thereis a taper (26), which has a smaller diameter than the connectingelement in the area of the taper there is a measuring opening (27).

The connecting element fulfills at least two of the following functions:

1. it holds the humidifier on the unit;

2. it forms an airtight passage between the humidifier and the hose;

3. it fastens the hose to the unit and/or humidifier;

4. it serves as a measuring site;

5. it puts the device into operation;

6. its air-conducting parts also partially hold the humidifier in place.

FIG. 8 shows the bottom part (12) of the humidifier, and FIG. 9 showsthe top part (11). The bottom part serves essentially as a water supplychamber. The top part serves essentially to guide the flow of air and,in conjunction with the bottom part, creates the humidification space(41). The air coming from the unit to the bottom part is conductedthrough the air inlet (21), which is essentially at the bottom (34), tothe center of the bottom part. There, the air conduit (31) bends upwardaround. an. angle of more than 60°, preferably around an angle ofapproximately 90°.

The air conduit (31) is divided in two by a continuous partition wall(35) and is open at the top. One part, serving as an air intake line(33), conducts the air coming from the unit into the top part (11) ofthe humidifier. After arriving in the entrance area, the air strikes thebaffle plate (39), which is subject essentially to unhumidified air, andis conducted by at least one air guide structure (37) into thehumidification space (41). The air guide structure (37) preventsessentially unhumidified air from being conducted directly to the airoutlet (22). The structure fits into a recess (59) in the humidifieroutlet and simultaneously serves as an anti-twist device for the toppart of the humidifier.

The air which has become humidified during operation is now conducted byat least one air guide structure (37) to an area of the baffle plate(38), which is subjected essentially to humidified air. When thehumidifier is assembled, a circumferential collar (40) is located abovethe upper end of the air conduit (31), serving a cap-like function. Incooperation with the air guide structure (37), which rests on thepartition wall (35) with a sealing effect, the collar defines the pathof the air through the humidifier. The collar (40) overlaps the upperedge of the air conduit (31). This overlap prevents water from surginginto the air inlet and into the unit or into the air outlet and to thepatient.

The air is guided through the humidifier essentially by vertical pipes,which are located essentially in the center of the humidifier. Theopening is always located above the surface of the water.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the air intake line (33)and an air discharge line (32) extend through two separate, chimney-likechannels, which are essentially parallel to each other and are separatedby a comparatively small gap.

In general, an essential design feature of the breathing air humidifieris to be seen in that, in the interior of the humidifier, chimney-likestructures are provided to supply the air to be humidified and to carryaway the humidified breathing air. The connections leading to theoutside are all located in a lower area of the unit. This structuremakes it possible to integrate the breathing air humidifier into theventilator and avoids the need to fasten the breathing air humidifieronto the outside surface of the ventilator by means of a flange.

To prevent the top part (11) from being opened while the humidifier isattached, the opening (60) at the edge of the top part matches the shapeof the housing, so that it is impossible to turn the top part (11),because at least a certain part of the opening (60) is designed toengage positively with the equipment housing.

In the top part (11), it is possible to see the water filling port (36),which can be accessed by way of the stopper (10).

As shown in FIG. 12, the stopper (10) for the filling port (36) islocated in the top part (11), near the edge, for example. The stopperhas in its upper area an operating surface (42). The operating surfaceis preferably slanted and, to improve its haptic properties, it has anirregular surface structure.

As shown in FIG. 13, a spring-loaded hinge (43) is provided on thestopper. The hinge is preferably relaxed after the stopper has beenlifted to open the filling port. The hinge is preferably under tension,however, as the stopper is lowered to close the filling port. Thetension is calculated so that a light pressure exerted accurately on theoperating surface is sufficient to open. the filling port (see below).

The angle of the operating surface defines and directs the force appliedby the user preferably in such a way that even a weak but accuratelyapplied force is sufficient to cause the stopper to open the fillingport.

The stopper is preferably made of a slightly elastic material; even morepreferably, it is made of a rubber-like material. The circumferentialgroove (61) makes it possible to install the stopper easily on the toppart (11).

In the ready-to-operate state, the top part of the humidifier cannot beremoved. As a result, the goal is achieved that the humidifier cannot befilled in the wrong way, i.e., by improperly removing the top part.

The seal between the top part of the humidifier and the bottom part isprovided by, for example, an O-ring. The seal is preferably axial, withradial guidance. It is also preferable to insert O-ring seals, which areguided radially but seal in the axial direction, in the area of the baseunit.

It is especially preferable to use lip seals wherever pressures of morethan 4 mbars can occur in she area of the humidifier and/or of the baseunit. The applied gas pressure pushes the lip seal with a sealing actionagainst sealing surfaces, which are located, for example, in the areabetween the top part and the bottom part of the humidifier.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the arrangement of the semi-enclosed sound-dampingbox (45) in the unit. In the assembled state, the top side of thesound-damping box (45) is provided with sealing material (63), whichfunctions both as a support and as sound-damping material. Thesound-damping box is preferably made of plastic and can be removed as acomplete module from the unit. This makes cleaning easy. In the area ofthe sound-damping box (45), there is a receptacle (47) for the blower.The indrawn air passes through the air intake (46, 62), through a filterelement (not shown), to the blower. In addition, a diversion (65) and achannels (66), which bridges the individual module, can be seen. Thesound-damping material (67) is laid around a deflection.

FIG. 15 shows a rear view, in perspective, of the sound-damping box inthe unit. The air intake (46) can be seen directly, because a cover cap(not shown) has been removed from the unit. In the installed state, thecover cap serves both as an appearance panel and as a sound-dampingmeasure.

FIGS. 16 and 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 30, and FIG. 31 show the design of thesound-damping box (45), consisting of three modules. The bottom part.(50), the middle part (48), and the top part (49) can be assembled toform the sound-damping box (45). The bottom part (50), the middle part(48), and the top part (49) define at. least two essentially horizontalplanes, in which the air is conducted and the sound is damped.Air-conducting areas (51) alternate with sound-damping areas (52), whichcan be designed as flat and/or expanded and/or foam-lined areas. Atleast two sound-damping principles are preferably implemented in thesound-damping box (45).

By means of at least one air-deflecting structure (53), the air isdeflected at least once from a horizontal plane into a vertical planeand preferably again into a different horizontal plane. The air ispreferably subjected to a two-fold change of planes.

For example, the air-conducting and sound-damping structures alternateat least once in the sound-damping box (45).

The flat, horizontal, sound-damping areas are located above or below thereceptacle for the blower (47). So that the modules can be placed neatlyon top of each other, guide posts (68) are integrated into the box,which also conceal the screw channels.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show additional views of the unit. The receptacle forthe blower (53) inside the sound-damping box (45) is located essentiallyin the center, surrounded by air-conducting and sound-dampingcomponents. The blower (53) is located inside the sound-damping box (45)between the intake and delivery area (55) of the unit.

The blower is attached by soft, elastomeric elements (54), whichpreferably have both elastic and damping properties. The blower isattached from above. The blower is supported from above. Because of theway it is attached, the blower is suspended with freedom to move in 3dimensions. At least two sound-damping structures are provided in thearea of the blower. The blower is mounted. in the center of the unit, asfar away as possible from the walls of the outer housing and/orsurrounded by air-conducting components and/or surrounded bysound-conducting components.

FIG. 21 shows a cross section through the sound-damping box. The blower(53) is mounted on the elastomer hangers (54) and is also connected tothe sound-damping box by an isolating hose (69). The sound-damping box(45) is built up out of three modules (71), which are connected by meansof, for example, screwed joints (72). Clamped between the modules issealing and damping material (73). This is also present underneath thebox, as support material (63). The semi-cylindrical elements (70)attached to the blower suspension serve as deflection limiters.

FIG. 22 shows the embedding of the sound-damping box (45), the airoutlet (17), and the power supply (18) to the humidifier or dummyhumidifier by way of an isolating element (64).

FIG. 23 shows the ventilator with the semi-enclosed sound-damping box(45) inside, which is closed by the damping/support/sealing material(63). The isolating element (64) has the job of isolating the semi-opensound-damping box (45) from the unit 1. Page 30, Lines 10-12. “Theisolating element (64) has the job of isolating the semi-opensound-damping box (45) from the unit 1.” should be changed to “Theisolating element (64) has the job of isolating the semi-enclosedsound-damping box (45) from the unit 1.”

To facilitate the installation of the damping material (63), the dampingmaterial is preferably provided with at least two openings, and theassociated surfaces of the top part of the unit are provided withmarkings in the area which will face the damping material (63). FIG. 23shows two cross-shaped markings, arranged essentially diagonally fromeach other, the center of each cross being surrounded by a circle. Theopenings in the area of the damping material (63) can be preferablycircular. During installation, it is necessary only to be sure that thecenters of the openings line up with the centers of the cross-likemarkings. Once this is done, an optimal installation state isguaranteed. As a rule, two openings and two assigned cross-shapedmarkings will prove sufficient as a means of simplifying theinstallation process.

FIG. 24 shows a view of the sound-damping box (45) with a mating profile(74) for an isolating element (not shown).

FIG. 25 shows a view of the sound-damping box (45), which has modules(71), a mating profile (74) for an isolating hose (not shown), screwjoints (72), and bores (77) for the hangers (54) used to suspend theblower. It is easy to see how the existing geometries, here thepositioning (76) of the blower and a screw joint (72), can be used withthe help of sound-damping material (63), for example, to form thevarious planes and structures of the air guides and sound-damping areas.The blower hangers (54) also simultaneously close off the bores (77) andthus also the two planes separated by the module (71).

FIG. 26 shows a cross section through a breathing air humidifier (9)with a top part (11) and a bottom part (12) Between them, a seal (82) isinserted, which consists preferably of an O-ring. A separating plane(35) on the bottom part (12) and a separating plane (37) on the top partcan also be seen between the vertical inlet and outlet channels. The airinlet (33) and the air outlet (32) are completed by a collar (40), whichinfluences the flow of air in the desired manner. The pressuremeasurement connection (19.1) can also be seen.

FIG. 27 shows a rear view of the unit (1) and an air intake cover cap(78) for the air intake into the unit, which contributes to the dampingof the intake sound.

FIG. 28 shows the design of a blower hanger (54), which is provided witha guide tip (79), a shoulder (80), and a circumferential groove (81) forrapid installation of the blower.

FIG. 29 shows another partial view of an interior space of the unit (1).In particular, the figure shows how the internal connections to thepressure-measurement connection are realized. The pressure-measurementconnection (19) comprises, first, an opening (not visible in FIG. 29) inan interior wall (90) of the equipment housing, into which a sealingelement (91) of a preferably elastomeric material inserted. The sealingelement (91) is held in place by lateral webs (92, 93). The connectingpiece on the breathing air humidifier can be introduced into the sealingelement (91) from the outside.

The lateral webs (92, 93) have, on the outside, a latching profile,which can be gripped from behind by an adapter (94). The adapter (94)has mounting sidepieces (95, 96), which engage the retaining profile.The sidepieces are carried by a central element (97) of the adapter(94). One end of the central element can be plugged into the sealingelement (91). A stop plate (98) is provided to ensure that the adapter(901) is positioned precisely.

A connector (99) of the adapter (94) facing away from the sealingelement (91) is used to accept a pressure-measuring hose (not shown),which establishes a connect on with the pressure sensor itself. Inparticular, the pressure sensor is to be located in the area of thecontrol circuit board of the unit.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will beunderstood that the invention. may be embodied otherwise withoutdeparting from such principles.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ventilator with an integratable breathing airhumidifier, wherein the ventilator comprises at least two defined airpathways provided in a region of the breathing air humidifier, andfurther comprises at least one blower that is mounted in the ventilatorby elastomeric elements.
 2. The ventilator with integratable breathingair humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the breathing airhumidifier comprises at least a top part and a bottom part, a waterreservoir being provided in the bottom part, and wherein the top partcannot be removed from the bottom part when the ventilator is in atleast one operating mode.
 3. The ventilator with integratable breathingair humidifier according to claim 1, wherein in a housing of theventilator a receptacle is provided into which at least a part of theair humidifier can be inserted and which comprises at least oneconnecting element for a functional connection of the air humidifier tothe ventilator.
 4. The ventilator with integratable breathing airhumidifier according to claim 2, wherein in a housing of the ventilatora receptacle is provided into which at least a part of the airhumidifier can be inserted and which comprises at least one connectingelement for a functional connection of the air humidifier to theventilator.
 5. The ventilator with integratable breathing air humidifieraccording to claim 1, wherein a ventilating hose is connected to theventilator by at least one connecting element, which connecting elementcomprises a hose area which is configured for connection to the hose anda unit area configured for connection to the ventilator.
 6. Theventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier according to claim2, wherein a ventilating hose is connected to the ventilator by at leastone connecting element, which connecting element comprises a hose areawhich is configured for connection to the hose and a unit areaconfigured for connection to the ventilator.
 7. The ventilator withintegratable breathing air humidifier according to claim 3, wherein aventilating hose is connected to the ventilator by at least oneconnecting element, which connecting element comprises a hose area whichis configured for connection to the hose and a unit area configured forconnection to the ventilator.
 8. A ventilator with an integratablebreathing air humidifier, wherein the ventilator comprises at least twodefined air pathways provided in a region of the breathing airhumidifier, and wherein in a housing of the ventilator a receptacle isprovided into which at least a part of the air humidifier can beinserted and which comprises at least one connecting element for afunctional connection of the air humidifier to the ventilator.
 9. Theventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier according to claim8, wherein the humidifier is held in place by at least one connectingelement in an area of the ventilator, which connecting element alsoserves to attach a ventilating hose.
 10. The ventilator withintegratable breathing air humidifier according to claim 8, wherein aventilating hose is connected to the ventilator by at least oneconnecting element, which connecting element comprises a hose area whichis configured for connection to the hose and a unit area configured forconnection to the ventilator.
 11. The ventilator with integratablebreathing air humidifier according to claim 9, wherein a ventilatinghose is connected to the ventilator by at least one connecting element,which connecting element comprises a hose area which is configured forconnection to the hose and a unit area configured for connection to theventilator.
 12. The ventilator with integratable breathing airhumidifier according to claim 9, wherein the breathing air humidifiercomprises at least a top part and a bottom part, a water reservoir beingprovided in the bottom part, and wherein the top part cannot be removedfrom the bottom part when the ventilator is in at least one operatingmode.
 13. The ventilator with integratable breathing air humidifieraccording to claim 9, wherein the breathing air humidifier comprises atleast a top part and a bottom part, a water reservoir being provided inthe bottom part, and wherein the top part cannot be removed from thebottom part when the ventilator is in at least one operating mode. 14.The ventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier according toclaim 10, wherein the breathing air humidifier comprises at least a toppart and a bottom part, a water reservoir being provided in the bottompart, and wherein the top part cannot be removed from the bottom partwhen the ventilator is in at least one operating mode.
 15. Theventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier according to claim11, wherein the breathing air humidifier comprises at least a top partand a bottom part, a water reservoir being provided in the bottom part,and wherein the top part cannot be removed from the bottom part when theventilator is in at least one operating mode.
 16. A ventilator with anintegratable breathing air humidifier, wherein the ventilator comprisesat least two defined air pathways provided in a region of the breathingair humidifier, and wherein a ventilating hose is connected to theventilator by at least one connecting element, which connecting elementcomprises a hose area which is configured for connection to the hose anda unit area configured for connection to the ventilator.
 17. Theventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier according to claim16, wherein the breathing air humidifier comprises at least a top partand a bottom part, a water reservoir being provided in the bottom part,and wherein the top part cannot be removed from the bottom part when theventilator is in at least one operating mode.